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Writer's pictureCari Mackey

Great Green Macaw of Panama


In a sea of 8 billion people, it's amazing how different we all are from one another, and like your mother may have told you - you are one-of-a-kind. While being different or unique may be what many strive for, imagine being 1 in 500. that would be really scary and  would really narrow the dating pool. More on that in a bit.


One of our magical adventures we enjoy sharing with our guests is the Cerro Hoyas National Park hike. Whether you are an avid and experienced hiker, an obsessed birder, or just love to explore ancient forests at your own pace, this place will challenge you.

The mountains will show you what you are capable of, but more importantly than testing your physical abilities, it reminds us why being in nature is so deeply fulfilling and an essential part of the conservation of our beautiful planet.


Established in 1984, The Cerro Hoyas National Park is home to impressive species like jaguars, margays, ocelots, monkeys, sea turtles, and around 100 species of birds.


The birdwatching is exceptional with some of the rarest birds in the world calling this rich, mountainous, biodiverse area home. Most notably are the Scarlet and Great Green Macaws. As a result of conservation efforts being done, we are seeing these magnificent birds more often now than ever before.

The Great Green Macaw is one of the rarest birds in the world earning her the title of Critically Endangered Species with only about 500 remaining, so seeing them in the wild and not in someone's bird cage (one of its primary causes for decline in population) is purely exhilarating.


First, you hear their loud squawking and screeching which alerts you to scramble for your camera to try and capture that impossibly difficult photo for the memory and proof of witnessing this beautiful bird in its natural habitat. However, it's just then that you realize all you can really do is focus, hold your breath, shed a few tears from the pure intensity, embrace the moment, and then celebrate with those that are with you.

Great Green Macaws feast on a wide variety of forest foods like seeds, flowers, nuts, fruits, with it's favorite being the seeds of the Mountain Almond tree which thrives in the diverse eco low wet forest of the Cerro Hoyas. They eat the seeds, flowers and this is also the tree they prefer for nesting.


Always seen in pairs, they reach sexual maturity at about 5 years old. This monogamous species breeds between December and June laying a clutch of 2-3 eggs which incubate for about a month in the hollow of a tree preferably the mountain almond. Both parents then share in the responsibility of raising their chicks who will typically fledge the nest at about 20 weeks but will stay with the family until about 3 years of age when they go looking for their mate.


If you love to hike, explore, and especially love birds, we would really like to guide you on this exciting adventure to the national park. 


Your Friends in Morrillo,

Cari and Ryan Mackey

Owners and Hosts

Morrillo Beach Eco Resort

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